About the JobPosition Summary:The Director, Copper Electrowinning will serve as the technical authority for the optimization of electrolytic cells dedicated to copper electroextraction. This role involves providing knowledge and know how in terms of maximizing production rate, selective copper recovery and ensuring uniform deposit quality. The Copper Director will bridge electrochemistry and engineering design.
Key Responsibilities:- Process & system optimization: Lead process and system optimization for copper electrodeposition, improving efficiency, lifetime, and energy use.
- Product delivery: Ensure copper cell functionalities (e.g., copper deposition and removal, purity, granulometry and form comply with customer specifications) are optimal.
- Scale-up: Drive the transition of the copper cell designs from prototype and commercial-scale operations, ensuring robust and manufacturable designs.
- Testing and validation: Develop and execute experimental test plans to validate cell performance, analyze voltage-current characteristics, and optimize copper deposit quality.
- Technical Leadership: Lead cross-functional engineering teams, provide technical guidance to senior staff, and manage relationships with external suppliers for cell components.
- Electrode optimization: Collaborate with materials engineers to select and design high-performance cathodes (e.g., porous stainless steel geometries) and anodes (e.g., lead alloys or dimensionally stable anodes) to maximize production rate current efficiency.
- Documentation: Manage engineering drawings, detailed bills of materials (BOM), and design documentation adhering to industry standards.
Required Qualifications:- Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrochemical Engineering, or Materials Science.
- Experience: 15+ years of experience in electrochemistry, specifically within electrowinning and metallurgy. Minimum 5 years people management experience required.
- Domain Knowledge: Strong understanding of copper electrochemistry, industrial electrodeposition processes, and transport phenomena.
Key Competencies:- Highly motivated and hands-on professional with a focus on sustainable technology.
- Strong analytical skills to root-cause failure modes (dendrite formation, uneven coating).
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and deliver results on strict timelines.
Salary range: $180K - $200K.
